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'Bachelorette' Finalist Returns Home to Film Reality TV Show

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 August 2005, 18:00 CDT

Aug. 9--A familiar face from reality TV is back in front of cameras but is sharing screen time in his hometown, Oklahoma City.

John Paul Merritt, one of two finalists last season on ABC's "The Bachelorette," has filmed a pilot reality TV show based on his life.

"The Entrepreneur" will center around Merritt as he deals with dating, opens a restaurant and struggles with the rigors of running a business, Merritt said.

"As an entrepreneur, everyday is crazy," he said.

The first episode will be screened for investors Thursday at the AMC Quail Springs movie theater, Merritt said. He financed the first episode himself and is looking to raise about $150,000.

Merritt, 26, is working with Rick Walker of BladeWalker Productions, who is also an on-air personality for KATT 100.5-FM, to produce three episodes. The team hopes to sell the show to a TV network.

Merritt described the show as having the business aspects of "The Apprentice," the dating drama of "The Bachelor" and the conflict of "The Restaurant."

"It shows my relationships with girls after getting off the ABC show," Merritt said.

The show also will follow the opening of Merritt's restaurant, Cafe Nova, on Western Avenue. The opening has not been announced, but reservations are being accepted at 525-NOVA.

"The restaurant is just about done with construction and weeks away from opening," Merritt said.

Merritt has filmed the first of the three episodes. The first two are 30 minutes and the third will be one hour focusing on the grand opening of Cafe Nova.

Merritt said the show also will shine a light on Oklahoma City and help recruit younger people to the city.

"I have a ton invested in Oklahoma City, and one of the biggest problems is we're not able to keep a work force," he said. "The show will be saying 'Look, Oklahoma is a great place to live.' "

"The Entrepreneur" employs seven cameramen and about 15 people, Merritt said. Cafe Nova will provide jobs to about 50 workers.

"This is a pilot that could be produced in Hollywood, but it's produced in Oklahoma City," Merritt said. "We have great producers and great film people in this market."

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DIS, AEN,

Source: The Daily Oklahoman

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